Personal care products and applicators

ABSTRACT

In one aspect of the subject invention, a personal care product is provided herein including an applicator having a body, with a dispensing opening, and a support surface, within the body, which is advanceable towards the dispensing opening. A layer of solid personal care is disposed on the support surface which defines an exposed face bounded by spaced-apart first and second edges extending between first and second ends. The exposed face also defines a first inclined face extending from the first end to a first location between the first and second ends, and a second inclined surface, extending from the second end to a second location between the first and second ends. The first and second inclined faces define an included angle which is less than 180 degrees. Advantageously, with the subject invention, differently dimensioned and angularly disposed surfaces may be defined suitable for applying the personal care to different portions of the body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to solid personal care products. More specifically, the invention relates to solid personal care products such as solid sunscreens with an included angle, as well as related applicators thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solid personal care products and containers for such products are known, and typically consist of a body in which the solid composition may be contained, which is typically made from a plastics material. The body may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, but most popular are circular and ellipsoidal. The container will typically have a detachable cap to protect the contents from the undesirable effects of prolonged exposure to air, and an elevation mechanism by which the solid product such as a stick is elevated towards the open top end of the container, in order that a portion of the stick may protrude from the top of the container to facilitate use.

Whilst most containers have a generally flat opening when seen from the side, it is also known for cosmetic containers to have a convex profile. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,496 describes a cosmetic stick package which is generally ellipsoidal in cross-sectional shape, and has an outwardly arched profile when viewed along the minor axes of the ellipsoid. Such a profile is said to facilitate in providing increased comfort of these stick products during application, and is also said to provide extra support for the stick so as to prevent crumbling on application.

Sunscreen sticks are known in the prior art which are deodorant—like applicators for applying solid sunscreen. These products include a layer of solid sunscreen having a flat, planar exposed surface which is advanceable as replenishment is needed during use. However, the sunscreen sticks are provided in a single dimension and shape. Therefore, a single sunscreen stick product is not capable of been used for application to both a broad area and a small, targeted area of the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the subject invention, a personal care product is provided herein including an applicator having a body with a dispensing opening. A support surface is disposed within the body which is advanceable relative to the body towards the dispensing opening from a first position spaced from the dispensing opening. A layer of solid personal care product is disposed on the support surface which defines an exposed face directed away from the support surface. The exposed face is bounded by spaced-apart first and second edges extending between first and second ends with the first and second edges being longer than the first and second ends. The exposed face also defines a first inclined face extending from the first end to a first location between the first and second ends, and a second inclined surface, extending from the second end to a second location between the first and second ends. The first and second inclined faces define an included angle which is less than 180 degrees. Advancement of the support surface relative to the body causes progressive advancement of the layer of solid personal care product through the dispensing opening. Advantageously, with the subject invention, differently dimensioned and angularly disposed surfaces may be defined suitable for applying the product to different portions of the body.

In a further aspect of the subject invention, an applicator for applying a solid personal care product is provided having a body comprising a dispensing opening and a support surface disposed within the body. The support surface is advancable relative to the body towards the dispensing opening from a first position spaced from the dispensing opening. The support surface also defines a face directed towards the dispensing opening with spaced-apart first and second edges extending between first and second ends, the first and second edges being longer than the first and second ends. The support surface also defines first and second inclined faces, the first inclined face extending from the first end to a first location between the first and second ends and a second inclined face extending from the second end to a second location between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second inclined faces define an included angle which less than 180 degrees. This arrangement allows for a layer of solid personal care product to be defined on the support surface having differently dimensioned and angularly disposed portions.

These and other features of the invention will be better understood through a study of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a personal care product in an applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a personal care product n an applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a package for a personal care product n accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention, including a cap thereof,

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the package for a personal care product of FIG. 3, without the cap thereof;

FIGS. 5-6 depict application of a personal care product made in accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8-10 depict different arrangements of the inclined faces useable with certain embodiments of the subject invention; and

FIGS. 11-12 depict alternative embodiments of a personal care product in an applicator in accordance with the subject invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a personal care product. The personal care product comprises an applicator and a layer of solid personal care product. The applicator includes a body having a dispensing opening; and a support surface disposed within the body. The support surface is advanceable relative to the body towards the dispense opening from a first position spaced from said dispensing opening. A layer of solid personal care product is disposed on the support surface, the layer defines an exposed face directed away from the support surface, the exposed face being bounded by spaced-apart first and second edges extending between first and second ends, the first and second edges being longer than the first and second ends, the exposed face defining a first inclined face extending from the first end to a first location between the first and second ends and a second inclined face extending from the second end to a second location between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second inclined faces define an included angle which is less than 180 degrees. Advancement of the support surface relative to the body causes progressive advancement of the layer of solid personal care product through the dispensing opening. In certain embodiments, the layer of solid personal care product is generally the same thickness throughout.

In certain embodiments, the personal care product further comprises means to advance the support surface. In certain preferred embodiments, the means to advance the support surface comprises a rotatable member configured to advance the support surface with rotation thereof.

In certain embodiments, the first and second locations are spaced apart. In certain preferred embodiments, the exposed face defines an arcuate intermediate face between the first and second locations.

In a further aspect of the subject invention, an applicator for applying a solid personal care product is provided having a body comprising a dispensing opening and a support surface disposed within the body. The support surface is advancable relative to the body towards the dispensing opening from a first position spaced from the dispensing opening. The support surface also defines a face directed towards the dispensing opening with spaced-apart first and second edges extending between first and second ends, the first and second edges being longer than the first and second ends. The support surface also defines first and second inclined faces, the first inclined face extending from the first end to a first location between the first and second ends and a second inclined face extending from the second end to a second location between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second inclined faces define an included angle which less than 180 degrees. This arrangement allows for a layer of solid personal care product to be defined on the support surface having differently dimensioned and angularly disposed portions.

In certain embodiments, the personal care applicator further comprises means to advance the support surface. In certain other embodiments, the included angle is about 120 degrees. In still other embodiments, the ratio between the length of the first inclined face and the second inclined face is at least 2:1. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a personal care product is shown and generally designated with the reference numeral 10. The product 10 generally includes an applicator 12 and a layer of solid personal care product 14. As used herein, “solid personal care product” is any personal care product that is maintainable in the form of a stable layer, under room temperature conditions, throughout storage, transportation and use, such as being one or more of a solid, slurry, powder amalgamation, and/or gel. Any form of solid personal care product may be used with the subject invention. As used herein, “solid personal care product” may be a cosmetic product, a sunscreen product, a deodorant, or an antiperspirant. In a preferred embodiment, the solid personal care product is a solid sunscreen.

The applicator 12 includes a body 16 having a dispensing opening 18 on one end and a substantially flat base 19 on the other end. A support surface 20 is disposed in the body 16 so as to be advanceable relative to the body 16. In an initial state, the support surface 20 is located at a first position within the body 16 spaced from the dispensing opening 18. In certain embodiments, the dispensing opening 18 has the same general profile (e.g., included angle) as the layer of solid personal care product 14. In other embodiments, the dispensing opening 18 includes a substantially flat profile that parallels the base 19 (see, e.g., FIG. 11).

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the support surface 20 may be advanced relative to the body 16 using any means including any configuration to cause manual, mechanical or powered displacement. With manual displacement, the support surface 20 may be manually urged as needed relative to the body 16 (e.g., a slot may he formed in the body 16 with a tab extending from the support surface 20 through the slot so as to be engageable externally of the body 16 to he manually manipulated in moving the support surface 20). With mechanical advancement, as shown in FIG. 2, a rotatable member 22 may he provided configured such that rotation thereof relative to the body 16 is converted to linear translation of the support surface 20 relative to the body 16. By way of non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 2, a threaded rod 24 may be provided which threadedly engages the rotatable member 22 such that rotation of the rotatable member 22 causes linear translation of the threaded rod 24. With the threaded rod 24 fixed to the support surface 20, the support surface 20 moves in concert with the threaded rod 24. The rotatable member 22 may be in the form of a dial (FIG. 2) or as a handle (FIGS. 3 and 4), which may match the body 16 in shape and look for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. One or more surface features 26, such as surface texturing, dimples, notches, protrusions, and the like, may be provided on the rotatable member 22 to enhance user handling. Alternatively, a powered, e.g., electrically powered, configuration may be utilized, such as, a button activated electric motor adapted to displace the support surface 20 relative to the body 16.

A cap 28 may be provided to cover the dispensing opening 18, thereby covering the personal care product 10. Any configuration to releasably retain the cap 28 on the body 16 may be utilized including, but not limited to, frictional engagement, interference fit, and cooperating locking features (e.g., snap-on lip and detent(s)). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a recessed profile 30 may be defined in the body 16 shaped to match a portion of the cap 28. The cap 28 helps protect the contents of the package from the deleterious effects of contact with air, such as drying out of the personal care stick.

In certain embodiments, the dispense opening 18 and the recessed profile 30 both have the same general profile (e.g., included angle of the exposed face of the product) as the layer of solid personal care product 14 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In other embodiments, the dispense opening 18 and the recessed profile 30 both include a substantially flat edge that parallels the base 19 (See, e.g., FIG. 11). In still other embodiments, while the dispense opening 18 has the same general profile (e.g., included angle) as the layer of solid personal care product 14, the recessed profile 30 ends with a substantially flat profile which parallels the base 19 (See, e.g., FIG. 12).

In an initial state, as shown in FIG. 7, the layer of solid personal care product 14 defines an exposed face 32 which is directed away from the support surface 20. The exposed face 32 is the portion of the layer 14 intended for application to a user's skin. The exposed face 32 preferably is bounded by spaced-apart first and second edges 34, 36 which extend between first and second ends 38, 40. The first and second edges 34, 36 are each longer in length than each of the first and second ends 38, 40. The corners between the first and second edges 34, 36 and the first and second ends 38, 40 may be square or softened with rounded, chamfered or other non-square configuration. The perimeter of the exposed face 32, at the intersection with the first and second edges 34, 36 and the first and second ends 38, 40, may be square or softened with rounded, chamfered or other non-square configuration.

The exposed face 32 defines a first inclined face 42 extending from the first end 38 to a first location 44 between the first and second ends 38, 40. The exposed face 32 also defines a second inclined face 46 extending from the second end 40 to a second location 48 between the first and second ends 38, 40. The first and second inclined faces 42, 46 define an included angle a which is less than 180 degrees. The included angle a may be less than 150 degrees, further may be less than 120 degrees, and further may be acute. In certain embodiments, the included angle a is between 30 to 150 degrees. In other embodiments, the included angle a is between 60 to 120 degrees. In still other embodiments, the included angle a is between 90 to 120 degrees. In a preferred embodiments, the included angle a is about 120 degree.

Preferably, the first inclined face 42 has a length greater than the second inclined face 46. In certain embodiments, the ratio between the length of the first inclined face and the second inclined face is at least 2:1. In certain preferred embodiments, the ratio between the length of the first inclined face and the second inclined face is about 3:1.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first location 44 and the second location 48 may be coincident as to be at the same location along the exposed face 32. With this arrangement, the first and second inclined faces 42, 46 define a closed angular profile. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first location 44 and the second location 48 are spaced apart along the exposed face 32 with an intermediate face 50 defined therebetween. The intermediate face 50 may be planar, as shown in FIG. 9, or, more preferably, is formed arcuate, as shown in FIG. 10.

The first inclined face 42 and/or the second inclined face 46 may be formed planar between the first and second edges 34, 36. Alternatively, the first inclined face 42 and/or the second inclined face 46 may be formed convexly between the first and second edges 34, 36 so as to have an outwardly bulging profile.

in the package exemplified, all parts of the package may be made from plastics materials, and may be manufactured and assembled by known techniques, which may for example involve injection moulding. Where possible and convenient, the component parts of the package may be integrally moulded.

Packages according to this embodiment may also advantageously be used in conjunction with a former (not shown). Use of a former helps in keeping the personal care stick isolated from air after manufacture but before first use by the user, and also facilitates manufacture and casting of the upper surface of the stick, where for example the stick is manufactured according to the known process whereby the stick is molten cast and bottom filled into the empty package. If used, the former is preferably configured so as to releasable and snugly fit into package opening 18 prior to manufacture, but then to be readily removed and discarded on first use.

In use, it is preferred that the layer of solid personal care product 14 be applied evenly along the support surface 20 so to be generally of even thickness. In certain embodiments, the support surface 20 includes a substantially flat surface which parallels base 19. In other embodiments, the support surface 20 have the same general profile as the corresponding exposed face 32 (i.e., have a face 32A facing the dispensing opening 18 formed with first and second edges, first and second ends, and first and second inclined faces with included angle a. as described above with respect to the exposed face 32). The support surface 20 is advanced relative to the body 16 to cause progressive advancement of the layer of solid personal care product 14 in providing replenishment of exposed and useable product. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the support surface 20 may be configured to be retractable into the body 16 (i.e., moved in a reverse direction) for storage between uses.

With the personal care product 10, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, differently dimensioned and shaped surfaces are provided for application to a user's skin. For example, the first inclined face 42 may be provided with a greater length than the second inclined face 46. This allows for the first inclined face 42 to be used for broader applications, such as on the cheeks or forehead, while the second inclined face 46 may be used for small, targeted areas, such as the chin. In addition, the intermediate face 50 may be provided with a length shorter than both the first and second inclined faces 42, 46 and be used for even smaller, more targeted areas, such as the nose and about the eyes.

All patents, patent publications, and other published references mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as if each had been individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein. While preferred illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation. The present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A personal care product comprising: an applicator including: a body having a dispensing opening on one end and a substantially flat base on the other end; and a support surface disposed within said body, said support surface being advanceable relative to said body towards said dispense opening from a first position spaced from said dispensing opening; and a layer of solid personal care product disposed on said support surface, said layer defining an exposed face directed away from said support surface, said exposed face being bounded by spaced-apart first and second edges extending between first and second ends, said first and second edges being longer than said first and second ends, said exposed face defining a first inclined face extending from said first end to a first location between said first and second ends and a second inclined face extending from said second end to a second location between said first and second ends, wherein said first and second inclined faces define an included angle which is less than 180 degrees, wherein advancement of said support surface relative to said body causes progressive advancement of said layer of solid personal care product through said dispensing opening.
 2. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said layer of solid personal care product is generally the same thickness throughout.
 3. The personal care product as in claim 1, further comprising means to advance said support surface.
 4. The personal care product as in claim 3, wherein the means to advance said support surface comprising a rotatable member configured to advance said support surface with rotation thereof.
 5. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said first and second locations are coincident.
 6. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said first and second locations are spaced apart.
 7. The personal care product as in claim 6, wherein said exposed face defines an arcuate intermediate face between said first and second locations.
 8. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said included angle is between 30-150 degrees.
 9. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said included angle is between 60 and 120 degrees.
 10. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said included angle is about 120 degrees.
 11. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein the ratio between the length of said first inclined face and the second inclined face is at least 2:1.
 12. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein said personal care product is a sunscreen.
 13. The personal care product as in claim 1, further comprising a cap for covering the dispensing opening.
 14. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein the dispensing opening has a similar profile as the exposed face of the layer of solid personal care product.
 15. The personal care product as in claim 1, wherein the dispensing opening includes a substantially flat edge that parallels the base.
 16. A personal care applicator comprising; a body having a dispensing opening; and a support surface disposed within said body, said support surface being advancable relative to said body towards said dispensing opening from a first position spaced from said dispensing opening, said support surface defining a face directed towards said dispensing opening, said face having spaced-apart first and second edges extending between first and second ends, said first and second edges being longer than said first and second ends, said face defining a first inclined face extending from said first end to a first location between said first and second ends and a second inclined face extending from said second end to a second location between said first and second ends, wherein said first and second inclined faces define an included angle which less than 180 degrees.
 17. The personal care applicator as in claim 16, further comprising means to advance said support surface.
 18. The personal care applicator as in claim 16, wherein said included angle is about 120 degrees.
 19. The personal care applicator as in claim 16, wherein the ratio between the length of said first inclined face and the second inclined face is at least 2:1. 